Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House – Artist Residency
/ORGANIZATION: City of Surrey
DEADLINE: November 17, 2025
WEBSITE: http://www.surrey.ca/arts-culture/totest-aleng-indigenous-learning-house/artist-residence
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
The City of Surrey is inviting proposals for a paid artist residency at Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House for an Indigenous artist, creative, or knowledge keeper who is developing their artistic and/or cultural practices.
Totest Aleng is a studio and gathering space located in Elgin Heritage Park beside Historic Stewart Farm. It was created for Indigenous cultural and artistic practices in Surrey. The studio supports artists-in-residence, large-scale projects, and hands-on learning programs, with facilities including woodworking tools and flexible areas for painting, beading, and gathering. The open-air pavilion serves as a connection point for Indigenous-led workshops, events, and school programs.
The residency provides an opportunity to develop one’s practice in an inspiring setting through a self-directed project. The selected artist will have access to studio space, tools, and resources, and will be required to complete at least one public engagement program (such as a workshop or artist talk) per four weeks of residency. Exhibition opportunities are available through venues such as Crescent Beach Pop-up Gallery and Stewart Hall at Historic Stewart Farm. City staff will also facilitate networking with curators, gallerists, and other artists. As part of the project, the selected artist may also choose to develop a paid design for signage for Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House.
HOW TO APPLY:
Email proposals to totestaleng@surrey.ca with the subject line “Artist Residency – (Your Name)”. Applications should include:
• Contact details (name, address, email, and phone number)
• Letter of intent (maximum two pages) describing the proposed project and public engagement activities
• Availability details (proposed length of residency, date range, and ability or interest in sharing the studio)
• Portfolio of up to 10 images of past work
FEES/COMPENSATION:
Compensation varies depending on proposals, ranging from $3,840 to $8,680.
